Still, the Cleveland fan base is snapping up Manziel jersey and eager to see if he can lead the franchise to its first playoff win since its 1999 rebirth.

Manziel went 20-6 during his two years as a starter for Texas A&M. In 2012, he became the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy. A threat with his arm and legs and nicknamed "Johnny Football," Manziel piled up 9,989 yards of total offense and 93 touchdowns (63 passing, 30 rushing) for the Aggies.

The Browns have four of their six rookies under contract with training camp six weeks away.